Paddling

Over half a million lakes and waterways

Table of contents

Get inspired
Ontario's best destinations
Local paddling guides
Paddling culture
Getting started

With more than sixty-six percent of its terrain covered in forests and over half a million lakes and waterways, Ontario is a paddler's paradise.

Its provincial and national parks with their endless lakes, rivers, hills and wonderful landscapes offer endless opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and rafting.

Even better, many of these amazing waterways are just a short drive from urban centres, making them perfect for day trips or spontaneous weekend camping or lodge getaways.

It's time to do the things you have been dreaming about. It doesn't matter what you choose—just get out and explore. Plan your Ontario adventure now.

several people sea kayak along the rocky shore of Georgian Bay — Sea kayak through stunning, wind-swept scenery on Georgian Bay. Source: Destination Ontario

Get inspired

Start dreaming and scheming with these inspiring roundups of the many world-class paddling opportunities Ontario has to offer.

Already know which type of paddling you plan to do? Get specific with our guides geared to each paddlesport.

man and woman canoeing in whitewater — Whether you're looking for whitewater or flatwater—or a bit of both—Ontario has plenty to pick from. Source: Destination Ontario

Canoeing & kayaking

Paddleboarding

a group whitewater rafting into a set of rapids — Rafting the rapids on the Ottawa River offers fun and thrills like few others. Source: Destination Ontario

Rafting & tubing

Ontario’s best destinations

Ontario is home to some of the world’s top paddling hotspots. Below is just a sample of the best and most popular paddling destinations in our province.

French River

Georgian Bay

Killarney

Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park

Lake Superior

Missinaibi

Mississagi

Quetico

Temagami

Wabakimi

Woodland Caribou

Best of the rest

people sea kayaking in Sudbury — Take a break from the wilderness and try some urban paddling on Sudbury's Ramsey Lake. Source: Destination Ontario

Local paddling guides

Traveling to one of these Ontario cities and towns? Our local guides will help you find everything necessary to book-end your trip with some fantastic paddling.

Lake of the Woods

Paddling culture

Paddling is about more than dipping your blade into the water—it’s also a great way to meet like-minded people, forge new connections, and learn about our shared history on Ontario’s waterways.

Clubs & events

Indigenous-led experiences

Put these Indigenous-Owned Outdoor Adventure Companies in Ontario on Your Bucket List

Learn more: Experience Indigenous Culture

New Canadians

Canoeing into Canadian Life: A Chinese Family Connects to Their New Homeland

Learn more: Canadian Canoe Culture

Path of the Paddle

Group of Seven

Paddling The Painted Landscape

Learn more: Group of Seven

family groups paddle a big canoe in Atikokan — Find everything you need to plan a fun trip full of paddling activities for the whole family. Source: Destination Ontario

Getting started

Are you a family with young children or a novice paddler just getting your feet wet? It’s important to start with the right information and padding skills to prepare for a safe and enjoyable outing.